The final bell rang across Nova High.
Students quickly packed their bags, excited for the weekend.
Kai stood up slowly and stretched.
"Finally… a break," he muttered.
Leo ran up to him.
"Yo Kai! What are you doing this weekend?"
Kai picked up his bag.
"Going home."
Leo smiled.
"Nice! Rest well, man. You look like you need it."
Kai chuckled.
"Yeah… you're not wrong."
—
A few hours later…
Kai stepped off a bus in his hometown.
Everything felt quieter.
No students showing off powers.
No fights.
No rankings.
Just normal life.
Kai took a deep breath.
"Much better…"
He walked down the familiar streets, passing small shops and old buildings.
People greeted each other warmly.
It was completely different from Nova High.
When he reached his house, he opened the door.
"I'm back," he said.
A voice came from inside.
"You're late."
Kai smiled slightly.
An older woman walked into the room.
His mother.
"You look tired," she said, noticing the bruises on his face.
Kai shrugged.
"School stuff."
She sighed.
"That school better be worth it."
Kai didn't answer.
Because Nova High wasn't just a school…
It was a battlefield.
—
Later that night, Kai sat alone outside under the stars.
The air was calm.
Peaceful.
He looked at his hands.
For a moment…
A faint dark energy appeared.
Then disappeared.
"I can't keep hiding forever," he whispered.
"But not yet…"
Suddenly, he heard footsteps behind him.
Kai turned quickly.
A figure stood in the shadows.
"You've gotten stronger," the voice said.
Kai's eyes narrowed.
"…Who are you?"
The figure stepped forward slightly.
"You don't remember me?"
Kai's expression became serious.
Because something about that voice…
Felt familiar.
And dangerous.
His peaceful weekend…
Was about to change.